Ortho evra & Breast growth ?? - Birth Control Message Board

dustyrose · 05-12-2005, 01:12 PM

I was on the pill for 15 years and switched to Ortho Evra about two months ago. After 1 week on the patch, my breasts got so sore I couldn't stand it. They stayed that way the first month. I am in the 3rd week of my second month on them. The soreness has almost completely gone away. But, I now have a problem that is embarrasing to say the least!! I was already a C cup, but one grew and the other one didn't. I would say it grew a half cup or more. I have to take up one side of my bra strap all the way, just so the smaller one won't fall out. I have not called my GYN yet because I am not sure if I should call her or who. I mean, what can she do?? The damage is done right?? I am wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like this whether one sided growth or both. And does anyone think health insurance will cover surgery to make them the same size again?? Swimsuit season is coming and I was actaully embarrassed to even show my husband. He hadn't noticed prior because he was not allowed to even get near them because of the soreness..

perkinssl · 05-13-2005, 07:31 AM

I started Ortho Evra about 4 months ago and I too had extremely sore breast. I would not let my SO touch them either. I am in my 4th month and the soreness has completely gone away. They did look fuller the first few months I was on the patch, so I think you body is just adjusting to the new hormones and your breast will probably go back down on their own. I highly doubt that your health insurance will cover a procedure like the one you are describing.

dustyrose · 05-13-2005, 07:49 AM

Thanks perkinssl.... I can only hope it goes back down... My soreness is about gone. But one is noticeably bigger and I was on the verge of panicking. I suppose I'll give it another month or so and just hope everything goes back to normal.. Again, thanks for sharing your similar experience..

Kileysmommy · 05-15-2005, 02:34 PM

I just started ortho evra. In fact today is the begining of the third week. I haven't experienced any of the symptoms that you have and was wondering about when did it start for you? I was put on it because I got pregnant on ortho tri with my daughter and orto cyc. with my son. Funny huh? But other than the breast growth is that the only side effect that you have seen?

perkinssl · 05-15-2005, 06:21 PM

Kileysmommy,

I really did not have any side effects with the patch until the fourth week, (my patch off week). I had horrible cramps that I have not had in a long time. I used to take Estrostep FE and I never got cramps but when I started the patch my cramps were really bad for that first month and then slowly over the last few months they have gone away. I also have noticed that I feel fuller all over my body when I am on the patch and on my patch week off the fullness goes away.

I think that this was just my body adjusting to the new hormones since I was on Estrostep for 3 years. I am glad I changed though because most all of the side effects are gone. However, last week on my first week this month I did have feel nauseous on Monday after I put the patch on but that was the first side effect I have had in a while. I guess this is what you have to go through to have the convience of the patch!

But you may not have any side effects at all, but you may because your body may need to adjust. But remember everyone reacts different to BC.